This is a word, a podcast from Slate.

I'm your host, Jason Johnson.

With the off-year elections behind us,

many Democrats are feeling relieved and even triumphant after victories in Virginia,

Kentucky and Ohio. But how much does that really say about their prospects in 2024?

And will black voters really see their steadfast support of the party pay off.

All these different ways that the sanctity of the ballot boxes sort of shipped away at

is attacked. That is still an incredibly important issue.

Lessons from the off-year elections coming up on a word with me, Jason Johnson.

Stay with us. Welcome to a word a podcast about race and politics and everything else.

I'm your host Jason Johnson.

Off your elections are often viewed as a referendum on national politics and given the dismal approval ratings of

President Biden, many Democrats were feeling nervous before last Tuesday's elections.

But instead of rebuke from voters, Democrats and the issues they support scored

victory after victory from Cans Kuhn to Grant's Tomb, in Virginia, voters gave control of the state

legislature to Democrats, a roadblock to Republican Governor Glenn

youngkins conservative agenda and reportedly his presidential ambitions.

In Ohio voters defied state Republican leaders by legalizing recreational marijuana and enshrining abortion

rights in the state constitution.

And in Kentucky, Democrat Andy Bresher, one re-election beating back a challenge from attorney general and Mitch McConnell Protege Daniel Cameron.

So the headlines are strong for Democrats and for many Democratic black candidates who earned

historic victories.

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